Leslie has intensified into a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, currently posing no threat to land, according to forecasters. The storm is situated approximately 725 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands, with maximum sustained winds reaching 75 mph. As of now, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect for Leslie.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Kirk remains a powerful Category 4 hurricane, with its impact being felt in the Leeward Islands, Bermuda, and the Greater Antilles due to the waves generated by the system. Forecasters have indicated that these swells are expected to reach the East Coast of the United States, the Atlantic Coast of Canada, and the Bahamas by Saturday night and Sunday. It has been cautioned that these waves could lead to life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Although no coastal warnings or watches are currently issued for Kirk, the storm is being closely monitored, especially by those in the Azores region where the swells could arrive by Monday. Kirk is positioned about 975 miles east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 130 mph.
These developments in the Atlantic come amidst ongoing search and rescue efforts in the U.S. Southeast following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck last week, resulting in casualties and significant damage in its wake.